City Pound

The city pound is a government funded facility where stray cats and dogs are impounded for a certain period until they are claimed by their owners, adopted — or if left unclaimed, euthanized.

City Pound

The city pound is a government funded facility where stray cats and dogs are impounded for a certain period until they are claimed by their owners, adopted — or if left unclaimed, euthanized.

It is the duty of the city pound to catch animals in public places without a leash.

Section 5 of RA 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act states that pet owners must keep their pets on a leash when they are in public. In order to keep them from harm, as well as to keep them from harming others, they must not be allowed to wander the streets.

“My pet was caught roaming the streets. What do I do?”

You should immediately claim your pet from the city pound before the holding period is up. The holding period depends on the local law, but is usually within 1 day to 1 week from capture.

Is it legal to euthanize animals in the pound?

It is completely legal for the city pound to euthanize unclaimed animals after the holding period. However, they must employ humane methods when catching and performing euthanasia on animals.

We have very little influence on what happens in city pounds, but PAWS will take action if there is evidence of inhumane methods or acts of animal cruelty taking place in an animal pound.

PAWS is NOT an animal pound.

PAWS is a non-government organization and it is not our duty to pick up stray animals. On the other hand, the city pound is funded by our taxes to do this.

Report animal cruelty in city pounds

If you have evidence of inhumane methods or acts of animal cruelty taking place in an animal pound, kindly email us with the information at philpaws@paws.org.ph, along with your name and contact number. Please also be prepared to work together with PAWS by providing evidence and testimony to rectify the inhumane acts.